Sinabi ng Presidential son na si Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte na ang kanyang ama “does not give a heck with any 'honorary degree' simply because he knows he did not work hard for such a degree.”
"Growing up, we were taught by our father of the value of education. That is why we really strive hard to get a degree no matter what," sabi ni Vice Mayor Duterte.
"But aside from getting a degree, our father also inculcated in us that knowledge and wisdom must go hand in hand with the degree.
"Being elected as president is enough recognition. No other recognition or honorary degrees could eclipse that," sabi niya sa isang pahayag.
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"Our family, though, thank the UP Board of Regents for even considering our father. Pero OK na akong Papa being the President of the Republic of the Philippines," dagdag niya.
Sinabi naman kahapon ng Malacañang na walang mali kung tatanggapin ni Pangulong Duterte ang iniaalok ng University of the Philippines (UP) na honorary doctorate degree.
Sa press briefing sa Malacañang kahapon, sinabi ni Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella na walang masama kung tatanggapin ni Duterte ang naturang honorary degree dahil hindi naman ito hinangad ng Presidente.
"Why not? It’s not something that he runs after. Well, if it’s offered, I suppose he would. But it doesn’t really matter if it’s offered or not," sabi niya.
Ayon kay Abella, wala pa namang inilalabas na official statement ang UP Board of Regents at hindi pa ito nakikipag-ugnayan sa Palasyo hinggil sa naturang alok pero kung tanggapin man ito ni Duterte, iyon ay bilang pagbibigay lamang ng respeto sa institusyon.
"Although he doesn’t run after awards, it would be a sign of goodwill towards the one of the most premiere institutions," aniya.
"It would be quite an honor to receive that, but it’s not something that he is angling for. Of course, a sign of mutual respect would be in place here,” dagdag pa ni Abella.
Lahat ng nagdaang presidente ng Philippine ay pinagkalooban ng naturang degree bukod kina Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at Manila Mayor Joseph Estada na tumanggi sa alok.
Kamakailan, inialok ng UP BOR kay Duterte ang honorary doctor of laws degree bilang bahagi ng kanilang tradisyon sa pagkakaloob ng naturang degree sa presidente ng Pilipinas na karaniwang isinasagawa sa unang taon ng kanilang panunungkulan.
Gayunpaman, ginamit ng mga estudyante at alumni ang social media upang ipahayag ang kanilang pagkadismaya sa desisyon ng BOR, at binanggit ang alegasyon na sangkot si Duterte sa crimes against humanity sa mga pagkamatay habang isinasagawa ang kanyang brutal na giyera laban sa bawal na gamot.
Gayunman, sinabi ni Abella na inaasahan na ang protesta. (Yas D. Ocampo at Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
